Solar Panel Cost Guide in Algona, IA (2023 Update)
- Algona Solar Installation Cost: $18,789
- 25-Year Savings: $32,767
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Algona
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Algona.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Algona, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Algona, the average price of going solar will be about $18,789 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Algona based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Algona for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Algona
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,727 |
| 3 years | $-12,602 |
| 5 years | $-8,478 |
| 7 years | $-4,353 |
| 9 years | $-229 |
| 11 years | $3,896 |
| 13 years | $8,020 |
| 15 years | $12,145 |
| 17 years | $16,269 |
| 19 years | $20,394 |
| 21 years | $24,518 |
| 23 years | $28,643 |
| 25 years | $32,767 |
Top Solar Installers in Algona
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Algona, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Algona
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Algona
Though the average cost of a solar system in Algona is $18,789, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Algona. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Algona, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Algona to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Algona homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Algona, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $19,828 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $26,747 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $33,822 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $41,052 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $48,436 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $55,976 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $63,672 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $71,522 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Algona, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Algona?
The average cost of solar panels in Algona is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Algona?
You can't get solar panels for free in Algona. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Algona?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Algona?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.